PTA stands for Physical Therapist Assistant, which is a licensed healthcare professional that works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist (PT) . PTAs assist the PT in implementing treatment plans that help patients regain their mobility and strength. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who have injuries or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform daily activities. The specific responsibilities of a PTA can vary depending on where they work, but some common duties include:

• Working directly with patients on therapy exercises and activities
• Providing training for using assistive devices, such as crutches, canes, or prosthetics
• Observing patient progress and periodically reassessing their progress so they can modify the plan of care as needed
• Documenting and reporting all factors influencing a patient’s progress and recovery

PTAs cannot evaluate a patient, establish an initial plan-of-care based on patient evaluative diagnosis, sign a discharge note, or set up patient goals. They work closely with the PT to address any changes that need to be made to patient goals or their plan of care, all with the best interest of the patient in mind. The length of a PTA program is typically two years (five semesters), and the primary content areas in the curriculum may include anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, clinical pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, and ethics/values.